During 2019, a sharp rise in anti-Semitism has been reported across Europe. In cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, Toulouse, Paris, Copenhagen, Malmö and Brussels, Jews have been attacked, harassed and even killed. Worship places are no longer safe; synagogues must be guarded, and Jewish schools have become fortresses.
The figures are disturbing. Research by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights shows that nearly nine out of ten European Jews believe that anti-Semitism has increased in the EU over the past few years. Almost 30% of Jews in the EU say they have been harassed at least once in the previous twelve months because of their Jewish origin, but only one in five of them go to the police. A third avoid visiting the synagogue and Jewish events for security reasons. More than a third of respondents (38%) have considered emigrating in the last five years because they do not feel safe in the country where they live.
Three quarters of a century after the Holocaust, and Jewish people remain targets of prejudice and hatred here in Europe. We still cannot offer them the safe home they deserve. The democratic constitutional state in Europe stands or falls with the freedom and security of minorities. All forms of discrimination, racism and exclusion are reprehensible and must be tackled. Minorities must be able to count on protection and Jewish citizens are included in this. Jewish people are inextricably linked to our societies and despite the discrimination and persecution that they suffer, they continue to make rich contributions to our communities.
We have failed if we cannot offer security to the Jewish communities in Europe. Anti-Semitic attacks and incidents are also an attack on the fundamental values and human rights that are central to the European Union. That is why, with this petition, we call attention to a more effective approach to anti-Semitism in Europe.
